J.D. Martinez Is Sox Finalist For MLB's 2018 Hank Aaron Award For Offense

Red Sox DH/OF J.D. Martinez may lose out to teammate Mookie Betts for AL MVP honors, but he is a finalist for the 2018 Hank Aaron Award. The award is given out each year by MLB to one player in each league designated as "the most outstanding offensive performer". Every one of the 30 MLB team has one finalist in the running. Looking over the list of other American League finalists, it's hard to see anyone challenging Martinez—with the possible exception of Cleveland's José Ramírez. The 31-year-old Martinez had a dominant first year in Carmine Hose—hitting .330, with 43 HRs and a league-leading 130 RBIs. He also led the American League in total bases with 358. He led the Red Sox with 188 total hits—including 37 doubles. He posted a stellar .402 on-base percentage, and delivered an OPS of 1.031. He also slugged .629 in his second career All-Star season. The less-than-fleet Martinez even stole six bases—while being caught just once. Stay tuned!